Springfield...State Representative David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) is making property tax relief one of his top priorities and is pushing two legislative measures that will help reduce property taxes for many Illinois families.

“High property taxes are a major reason people have been moving out of the state,” McSweeney said. “That is why we need an immediate property tax freeze.”

Cary, Illinois – State Representative David McSweeney (R- Barrington Hills) has voluntarily cut his pay and district office budget and has refused to participate in the legislative pension system. He has also filed legislation to eliminate pensions for legislators.

House Bill 179 would eliminate legislative pensions for all new members elected in the 2016 election and beyond. A bill introduced by McSweeney last legislative session that would have also halted legislative pensions for existing members did not receive adequate support. "We are in a financial crisis and we must cut unnecessary spending, not raise taxes," McSweeney said.

McSweeney also praised the growing number of members who have also chosen not to accept pensions. "Legislators must lead by example during this financial crisis." McSweeney said.

Cary, IL...A recently released study has cast doubt on the viability of red light cameras to improve traffic safety. In an effort to reduce the financial burdens on Illinois residents, State Representative David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) is sponsoring legislation to eliminate red light cameras.

McSweeney filed House Bill 173, which would repeal the State law allowing automated red light cameras at intersections. McSweeney will also continue to actively support efforts by Senator Dan Duffy (R-Lake Barrington) to eliminate red light cameras.

“A recent Chicago Tribune sponsored study has shown that Chicago’s red light cameras fail to deliver the safety benefits claimed by proponents,” stated McSweeney. “House Bill 173 would prevent all local units of government from using red light cameras.”

The new research has called into question whether red light cameras are providing real safety benefits. The study also revealed that Chicago’s use of short yellow lights and red light cameras have become a dangerous combination.

CARY, IL – State Representative David McSweeney (R-Cary) says when it comes to the state budget crisis, he believes government officials should lead by example. That is why he is again voluntarily cutting his legislative salary and district office budget by 10 percent and returning the money back to the state.

CARY – State Representative David McSweeney (R-Cary) says when it comes to the state budget crisis, he believes government officials should lead by example. That is why he is again voluntarily cutting his legislative salary and district office budget by 10 percent and returning the money back to the state.

“While many families are making cuts to stay within their budget, our elected officials have a responsibility to reduce their official expenditures” said McSweeney.

An Illinois Representative’s salary and district office allotment are $67,836 and $69,409 respectively. With McSweeney’s salary reimbursement action last week, both will be reduced to 90% of those initial figures for calendar year 2014 with the salary number adjusted for taxes paid.

McSweeney also plans to cut his calendar year 2015 and 2016 salary and office budget by 10%. Those reductions come in addition to his initial action of voluntarily opting out of the State’s General Assembly Retirement Pension System. McSweeney will not receive a legislative pension.

McSweeney continued, “I’ve said from day one, government officials must lead by example in stabilizing our State’s finances. The bottom line is that Illinois is in a financial crisis and business as usual isn’t working."